Black Lipstick

When you think of Black Lipstick, images of people dressed in Goth fashion come to mind. However, if you're lucky enough to have heard of Austin's experimental band, Black Lipstick, sounds reminescent of Velvet Underground or Luna come to mind. Their simple experimental sound eventually transforms into straight on groove. It's an amazing mix of sound combining fuzz and wha wha into smooth melodies, especially when the piano takes charge.

The Austin-based band was first formed by Travis Higdon and Phillip Niemeyer formerly of the Kiss Offs and Nigh Vandals. They share the guitar and vocal work. In the late 90s they asked Leslie Sisson to play bass and piano and Elizabeth Nottingham to handle drums and other vocals. By 2001 Black Lipstick was touring nationally and even landed a spot at South by Southwest.

Sincerely, Black Lipstick is the band's third effort. It evokes images of the Feelies, Yo La Tango, Velvet Underground, and Luna. The song "B.O.B.F.O.S.S.E." is best described in All Music Guide as "Fuzz Pop" and clearly lets the listener know where this CD is headed. In "No Mercy" the piano play and tempo of the song just scream we love the Velvet Underground, and Black Lipstick know how to show it. Perhaps the greatest song on the CD is "All Night Long Together." It combines the best elements of Black Lipstick's sound, such as sound changes, rhythm, and lyrics, yet is nearly lost so close to the end of the CD.

So if you get the chance, check out Black Lipstick. So far, I haven't seen them live, but have been blown away by their recorded material. However, having lived for six years in Austin, I know that musicians from there really learn how to play. So seeing Black Lipstick live should be amazing.